After a bit stunting with television theme song and commercial jingles and then going back to its CHR format with a brief loop of songs, JVC Broadcasting has flipped CHR “Island 106” WILN Panama City FL to Variety Hits “105.9 The Wave” WWVV.
While not a direct simulcast, the new brand replicates “102.1 The Wave” WWAV Fort Walton Beach with a mix of music from the 1970s through 2000s. The company states, “it will feature its own locally curated playlist, hand-picked from the same massive Wave music library that defines the brand. The result: two distinct Wave stations with their own vibe and identity — united by one mission — to make radio fun, local, and alive again.”
JVC Broadcasting CEO John Caracciolo said, “We’re thrilled to bring true local programming back to Panama City. While others in the industry are cutting staff, consolidating studios, and piping in national shows, JVC is doing the opposite — we’re growing. We’re hiring local talent, investing in communities, and proving that local radio is still the heartbeat of every great town along the Gulf Coast.”
Director of Programming Matt Stone added, “The Wave is unlike any other station in the country. It’s unpredictable, fun, and feels like someone’s awesome personal playlist, not a corporate algorithm. Every hour brings something fresh — from Fleetwood Mac to Maroon 5 to those one-hit wonders everyone forgot they loved. That’s the magic of The Wave.”
Market Manager John Griffo followed, “We’re bringing energy back to radio in Panama City. Listeners are tired of hearing eight-minute blocks of national commercials. At The Wave, we run a fraction of that time and focus solely on our local advertisers — the businesses that live, work, and thrive right here in our backyard. That’s what sets us apart.”
Original Report 9/22: CHR “Island 106” WILN has begun stunting with television theme song and commercial jingles ahead the closing of its sale to JVC Broadcasting.
Currently ID’ing as “Jingle 105.9“, the move would mark the third major change at the four station cluster since JVC announced its $1.25 million purchase of the cluster from Magic Broadcasting in late June.
Conservative Talk 101.1 WYOO Springfield became part of its “Florida Man Radio” network along with 103.1 WZLB Valparaiso/Fort Walton Beach and 104.9 WYGC High Springs/Gainesville at the start of August. That was followed by Rock “97X” 97.7 WYYX Bonifay beginning to simulcast Rock “92.1 The Bone” WBON Destin as WBOE.
JVC has reserved new WWVV call letters to take effect at closing of the acquisition. Those calls hint at a potential simulcast of Variety Hits “102.1 The Wave” WWAV Santa Rosa Beach/Fort Walton Beach.
INSTANT INSIGHT: Should this be the end of the CHR format and “Island 106” brand both end after decades of heritage. Originally launched as a Classic Rocker in 1987, WILN would shift to Top 40 in 1990 and would regularly pump out talent to larger markets. Some currently active WILN alumni include “Hits 96.1” WHQC Charlotte morning hosts Miguel Fuller and Holly O’Connor and their former co-host “Mix 106.5” WWMX Baltimore morning host Steve Kramer as well as “Hits 106.3” WCDA Lexington afternoon host Mandy Williamson and “Y101” WYOY Jackson MS morning hosts Adam Schraf and Allison Blaes.
